Razanasoa Edmondine’s grief is palpable as she recounts the tragic loss of her infant grandson, a victim of police tear gas during recent protests that have shaken Madagascar. Her voice trembles as she describes the harrowing events of that day: her daughter-in-law, en route to the market with the baby, was caught in the crossfire of escalating demonstrations and a heavy-handed police response.
The protests, fueled by widespread discontent over persistent power and water shortages, erupted with young people demanding change. In the chaos, tear gas canisters rained down, forcing protesters, including Ms. Edmondine’s daughter-in-law and the infant, to seek refuge in a nearby building. The situation worsened as police continued to deploy tear gas, filling the confined space with smoke. Despite efforts to reach a hospital, the baby’s fragile lungs had inhaled too much, leading to a fatal outcome days later.
The infant’s death is one of many casualties reported amidst the unrest. While the UN has cited at least 22 deaths, the government disputes these figures, pointing instead to significant property damage exceeding $47 million. The protests, initially driven by economic grievances, have evolved into a broader call for systemic change, with many young citizens demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina.
Business owners and entrepreneurs are also feeling the impact, with cancelled contracts and disrupted operations adding to the economic strain. The tourism sector, vital to Madagascar’s economy, has been particularly hard-hit by a wave of cancellations, leaving hotels with drastically reduced occupancy.
The young protesters, organized under the banner of ‘Gen Z Mada,’ express deep frustration with the government’s handling of the nation’s chronic issues. Experts point to decades of economic mismanagement and a lack of inclusive growth as root causes, exacerbating widespread youth unemployment and poverty. The protests reflect a generation demanding fundamental change in a country grappling with its post-colonial challenges.
President Rajoelina has pledged to address the nation’s problems within a year, but for families like Ms. Edmondine’s, the immediate cost of instability is immeasurable. The tragic loss of her grandson serves as a stark reminder of the human toll of societal unrest and the urgent need for effective solutions to Madagascar’s deep-seated economic and political challenges.